Juanita Nelson

Juanita (Molthan) Nelson was born March 29, 1916, to Columbus Lafayette and Lora Ann (Watkins) Molthan in Bokoshe. She passed away April 16, 2017, in Spiro at the age of 101 years.

Juanita is survived by one daughter, Ann Nelson of Spiro; nieces and nephews, Cooper Redwine, John and Faye Redwine, Mike and Tarre Strange, Willie and Linda Middlebrooks and Nean and Marcia Molthan; numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews; dedicated caregivers, Crystal Salazar and Wanda Perkins; and numerous other family and friends.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 62 years, Stearl Nelson; and one brother, Honce Molthan.

Juanita was a member of First Baptist Church of Spiro for 70 years, where she taught Sunday school and was active in the Women’s Missionary Union and the church’s Golden Tones. She received her master’s degree from Southeastern in Durant, Okla. She was a school teacher for 42 years in northern Leflore County, teaching third grade at Spiro for 32 years. Juanita maintained her “dry” sense of humor and read two newspapers daily at the age of 100.

Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. today at Mallory-Martin Chapel in Spiro with the Rev. Eddie Blankenship officiating. Interment will be at Spiro City Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro.

Condolences can be made at www.mallorymartinfuneralhome.com on Juanita’s online guestbook.

Memorials can be made to Spiro Public Library, 208 S. Main St., Spiro, OK 74959.

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